North Franklin man arrested in sexual assault of teen

A 19-year-old North Franklin Township man told months ago to stay away from a 14-year-old girl by her father was arrested Wednesday by South Strabane Township police.

Joshua Walter Anthony, of Broadview Place, was arrested on charges of statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and corruption of minors. Township police Detective Ken Torboli Jr., who filed the charges, said Anthony allegedly had sexual intercourse with the girl on multiple occasions between February and June.

The two reportedly met in February through mutual friends. Torboli said the parents were aware their daughter was talking to him. The father reportedly told Anthony to stop contacting his daughter.

On Friday, the parents called police after finding Anthony hiding in a bathroom at their home. Anthony climbed out a window and ran into a wooded area.

Torboli said Anthony has had other incidents involving women. Prior to his arraignment on the charges before District Judge Jay Weller, Anthony was found guilty of summary harassment by the judge. The 19-year-old went to Applebee’s, Trinity Point, March 22 and shoved his former girlfriend while she was at work. The former girlfriend is the mother of his one-year-old child.

Police also have charged Anthony with violating a protection-from-abuse order obtained by his former girlfriend. Police said he also was charged with various offenses as a juvenile.

Anthony was placed in the Washington County jail on $50,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Wednesday in Central Court.

Kathie Warco

Staff Writer

Kathie O. Warco has covered the police beat and transportation for the Observer-Reporter for more than 25 years. She graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in journalism.